The films Oscar success is credited as saving a then cash strapped Orion Pictures. Building to the Oscars, Orion made the decision to plunge a huge investment in pushing Silence of the Lambs for Oscar success. It had been a huge financial success but by the start of awards season was already out on VHS, having been delayed to not take the emphasis from Orions Dances with Wolves the previous year. Wolves also won best picture. Thanks to Lambs Oscar success the VHS sales went through the roof and Orion was saved.